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One of the most frequently asked questions I have received so far is whether I got an interview invitation from UPenn and how it affected my application. So to clarify a few things, I decided to make a short separate post about it.
Penn's interview policy differs from that of some other Ivy League schools or top universities. Its interviews are not based on a pre-screening of application strength. That is, Penn does not filter out weaker applications before sending out interview invitations. Instead, UPenn offers alumni conversations (as they call them) to most of its applicants.
What are alumni conversations, and how do they usually go?
An alumni conversation is an informal, virtual chat between you and a Penn alumni volunteer. If you get an invitation, see it as an opportunity to learn more about the school, ask specific questions, share your interests and experiences, and advocate for yourself. Be genuine and authentic.
Depending on when you apply, you might be scheduled for a conversation at different times: ED applicants get them from mid-October through the end of November, RD applicants - from December through February.
If you receive an interview, an alum will contact you via email to set up a time to meet virtually, so check your inbox regularly to respond to the request on time. (If you consented to it, they might also contact you directly through the phone number listed in your application.) You will also have an option to decline the offer. UPenn states that opting out of the alumni conversation will not negatively affect your application, but I would personally recommend not to do so – because you want to make the most of every opportunity, right.
Are you at a disadvantage if you did not get an interview?
NO. According to Penn, typically more than 90% of the applicants get an interview. They are offered based on the alumni availability and are not an indication of how admissions officers have evaluated your application so far. Not getting an invitation for an alumni conversation has everything to do with the availability of Penn alumni volunteers and has nothing to do with the quality of your application. So if you have not been offered one, do not worry. And if you had an interview, it does not necessarily mean that you are highly likely to get in.
I personally did not have an alumni conversation with Penn – and I got in. So trust the process, focus on what you can control, and keep moving forward.
Best of luck to everyone with interviews!✨
@ruhshonatpenn
